At the heart of the action at this year's Festival of Speed will be an unrivalled celebration of 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship. Attendees will get the rare chance to see some of the most prestigous drivers and cars in action on the hillclimb like never before.
Prost, known as “The Professor,” won four World Championships between 1985 and 1993 with McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams. Renowned for his calculated, smooth driving style, he was a master tactician who dominated one of F1’s most competitive eras and developed a legendary rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
Stewart, the oldest living World Champion, won his three titles in 1969, ‘71 and ‘73 driving for Ken Tyrrell’s F1 team, first in the guise of Matra, and then as Tyrrell. He was undoubtedly the best driver on the grid throughout that period as he took over the mantle from the late Jim Clark.
Fittipaldi made an immediate impact at the beginning of his career with Lotus to win the Championship in just his second full season in 1972. Fittipaldi claimed a second title in 1974 driving the McLaren M23 to cement himself as a legend of the sport.
After joining McLaren in ’93, the Flying Finn quickly became a podium regular. A near-fatal crash in Adelaide nearly ended his career, but he bounced back to win the title in 1998, defeating Schumacher in one of F1’s fiercest rivalries. His emotional second title in ’99 sealed his legacy as a true F1 legend.
The 1992 Formula One World Champion will be taking to the Hillclimb in his legendary ‘Red Five’ chassis as well as the iconic FW11. A special collection of Nigel Mansell’s most memorable cars will also be on display.
Berger was one of the most consistent drivers of the late ‘80s and ‘90s, claiming ten Grand Prix wins with Benetton, Ferrari and McLaren. A fierce competitor alongside legends like Senna and Prost, he was known for his speed and resilience. His final win came at Hockenheim in 1997, capping a career defined by grit and longevity.
Webber carved out a hard-fought F1 career, taking nine wins and multiple podiums with Red Bull during their rise to dominance. Known for his strong starts and no-nonsense approach, he was a key figure in one of the sport’s most competitive eras, often going wheel-to-wheel with teammate Sebastian Vettel.
One of the most versatile drivers of his era, Ickx took eight Grand Prix wins between 1968 and 1972, primarily with Ferrari and Brabham. A two-time runner-up in the Championship, he was renowned for his smooth style and adaptability. Though F1 titles eluded him, his success across multiple disciplines — especially at Le Mans — secured his place among racing’s greats.
Patrese was a mainstay of Formula 1 from the late ‘70s through the ‘90s, earning six Grand Prix wins and a reputation for consistency and durability. Racing for teams like Brabham, Williams, and Ferrari, he was a respected competitor who helped Williams build towards their dominant period in the early ‘90s. His long career made him one of the sport’s most experienced drivers.
Watson was a skilled and reliable driver through the 1970s and ‘80s, securing five Grand Prix wins mainly with McLaren. Known for his smooth driving and tactical racecraft, he was a key figure in McLaren’s rise during a competitive era. His consistent performances earned him respect across the paddock and a lasting place in F1 history.
Haas F1 team
A fan favourite from 2024, Bearman returns in the midst of a competitive rookie season with Haas in F1.
Haas F1 team
Returning to the Festival of Speed, the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner will be putting on a display behind the wheel of an array of Haas machinery.
One of the greatest motorsport designers of all time, Newey has personally curated 'The Innovators' class of cars that will feature at the Festival of Speed, both on the Hill and in the paddocks.
Chandhok was India’s pioneering F1 driver, competing in 2010 and 2011 with Hispania and Lotus. While his time on track was brief, he played a vital role in expanding F1’s global reach and later became a respected commentator and ambassador for the sport.
Bell was a talented British driver best known for his endurance racing success, winning Le Mans five times. Though his Formula 1 career was brief, with no wins, his skill and speed made him a respected figure in motorsport’s golden era.
Pirro was a solid and versatile driver in the 1990s, scoring five podiums in F1 with teams like Benetton and McLaren. Though he never won a Grand Prix, his true legacy lies in endurance racing, where he claimed multiple Le Mans victories and became a key figure in Audi’s dominance.
Williams development driver, three-time W Series Champion and current European Le Mans Series leader Jamie Chadwick will also be climbing into the cockpit of the Williams FW14B, alongside current Williams F1 Academy driver Lia Block.
Brabham raced in Formula 1 briefly in the early ‘90s but made his mark in endurance racing, winning Le Mans and multiple world championships. As part of the legendary Brabham family, he combined technical skill with racecraft to build a respected career beyond F1.
Merzario raced in Formula 1 throughout the 1970s, known for his resilience and dedication despite limited team resources. While he never won a Grand Prix, his bravery and commitment earned him respect, and he is remembered for his role in rescuing Niki Lauda during the 1976 Nürburgring crash.
Thursday
Honouring the 50th anniversary of Derek Bell’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans victory. A true legend of endurance racing, Bell conquered the Circuit de la Sarthe five times, doing so behind the wheel of some of motorsport’s most iconic machines.
Friday
Better known as ‘Foggy’, the four-time World Superbike Champion will take to the balcony to mark 30 years since winning his first WSBK title.
Saturday
Gathering every Formula 1 champion attending this year's event. This will be a once in a lifetime moment to see your heroes of F1 all together.
A technological masterpiece. The FW14B remains one of the most advanced Grand Prix cars ever, in period it took Nigel Mansell to his World Championship in 1992.
One of the most dominant Grand Prix cars ever built. In the hands of Aryton Senna and Alain Prost, the MP4/4 took 15 victories from 16 races in the 1988 F1 season.
Mario Andretti drove to the 1978 World Championship at the wheel of one of the most innovative cars in F1 history. Ground effect was a new concept in motorsport, and Lotus was the first team to successfully implement it with the 79.
Offering a closer look at the origins of the Manufacturers’ World Championship which ran from 1925-1927, and the subsequent European Drivers’ Championship held throughout the 1930s.
Showcasing the beginnings of the F1 World Championship and the cars that helped to shape the sport’s first decade and set the tone for its future.
This class celebrates the groundbreaking ideas that changed F1 forever — from mid-engines and monocoques to ground effect and active suspension. These are the cars that pushed the limits and shaped the sport as we know it.
Celebrating the heroes of Formula 1 with a stunning collection of championship-winning cars and drivers. Every car in this class carried a driver to the ultimate prize.
7 World Champions - 14 Championships - 166 Grand Prix wins
Celebrating the fearless outsiders who defied odds on their way to victory. These are the cars and teams that proved heart, grit and a touch of chaos can conquer even the mightiest giants.
Gathering the current F1 teams to showcase the astonishing performance and capability of a modern Grand Prix car. Expect to see some of your favourite drivers from past and present heading up the Hill.